economic outlook

When interest rates rise, everyone — including the federal government — pays more to borrow. What does that mean for the economy in the long term?

The National Federation of Independent Business’ latest survey finds small business owners uncertain about broader economic conditions, but optimistic about their own firms.

Consumers are still spending. But for many, that now means dipping into savings.

More of them are telling the National Federation of Independent Business that they’re looking to hire, and that finding the right people to hire is difficult.

A cloudy outlook for consumer demand is causing many business owners to limit their growth plans out of caution. But keeping growth in check can have upsides.

Consumers started 2025 feeling optimistic, but have ended on a low note.

Corporate bond spreads have been relatively tight this year, implying that investors aren’t demanding much extra compensation to account for credit risk.

“It's not the change of tariffs,” said KPMG U.S. CEO Tim Walsh, “but the fact that tariffs are changing, and then sometimes changing again.”

It’s about getting more for less.

The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index was down by 0.3% in February — the third consecutive monthly decline.